Public urged to use emergency health services wisely this New Year weekend

North East Ambulance Service has issued another urgent plea for people to prepare early for an extended bank holiday, use services wisely and to consider alternative services such as local pharmacies, GPs or NHS111 online first when it’s not life threatening.  

The service has declared two critical incidents since 19 December because of unprecedented pressure impacting its ability to respond to emergency patients.

As it heads into the extended bank holiday weekend for New Year, traditionally one the busiest time of year for the service, it is once again asking for the public’s support to ensure resources are available for those who need them most.

Chief operating officer at NEAS, Stephen Segasby, said: “Our priority will always be to respond to patients with emergency healthcare needs as safely, quickly and effectively as possible.  This is always a busy time of year for us but unprecedented pressure across the health system has impacted on our ability to be able to reach those most in need and deliver the best care we can.  Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them.

“Our amazing staff and volunteers continue to work extremely hard, and this unparalleled pressure is showing no sign of respite. As such, we're expecting a busy weekend and patients may experience longer waits for an ambulance.

"Ahead of the extended bank holiday weekend, please ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked up with any regular medication you require as well as essentials like a first aid kit, thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and plasters.

"We would always advise someone who thinks their condition is life threatening to call us but please think before you pick up the phone - do you really need an ambulance or is there another way of you getting help?

"Please always consider 111 online first and if you do think you need to go to hospital, consider whether you're able to make your own way there.

"We also ask that anyone waiting for an ambulance please only call back if their condition worsens or to cancel if it is no longer required.

“Finally, if you’re out celebrating, please have a good time but look out for each other and don’t ruin your fun by ending up in the back of an ambulance."

Examples of medical emergencies include: 

• Chest pain 
• Breathing difficulties 
• Unconsciousness 
• Severe loss of blood 
• Severe burns 
• Choking 
• Fitting 
• Drowning 
• Severe allergic reactions 

If you need advice for an everyday illness or injury, please either contact your local pharmacy for help or look at the self-care advice that’s available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.

You can also check your symptoms, using the online symptom checker available at www.111.nhs.uk, which will re-direct you to a health professional if you need to be seen by someone. If your symptoms persist and you are not getting better, please 

For anyone celebrating in the city centre, the Safe Haven van, which operates in Newcastle city centre on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year, will also be in operation throughout the festive period, providing a safe place to pass on safety information and give medical assistance, reducing the impact on front-line policing, ambulances and local hospitals.